Knight’s Heroic 79 Seals Victory
Guwahati, India – October 7, 2025
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Live Updates
In a pulsating encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, England Women defeated Bangladesh Women by four wickets in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Chasing a modest 179, England stumbled to 103 for 6 before Heather Knight‘s unbeaten 79 steered them home with 23 balls remaining. This thrilling England vs Bangladesh Women’s World Cup match not only boosted England’s unbeaten run but also highlighted the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket.
The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, features eight powerhouse teams battling in a round-robin format. With top-four teams advancing to the semi-finals, every point counts. England, now atop the points table with two wins from two, solidified their status as favorites, while Bangladesh’s spirited performance earned them respect despite the loss.
Bangladesh’s Resilient Batting Effort Falls Short
Bangladesh, opting to bat first after losing the toss, posted 178 all out in 49.4 overs on a pitch offering seam movement and subtle turn. Dilara Akter Mostary top-scored with a gritty 60 off 85 balls, including seven fours, providing the backbone to the innings. Her partnership with Rabeya Khan (43 not out off 50) added crucial late runs, but it wasn’t enough to breach the 200-mark.
England’s bowling attack, led by Sophie Ecclestone‘s masterful 3 for 24 in 10 overs, dismantled the Tigers’ middle order. The left-arm spinner, returning from a minor niggle, struck in the 15th over, removing opener Fargana Hoque for 22. Charlie Dean complemented with 2 for 32, while Alice Capsey claimed 2 for 28, including the vital wicket of captain Nigar Sultana for 18.
The collapse was dramatic: from 166 for 6, Bangladesh lost their last four wickets for just 12 runs. Nigar Sultana later admitted, “We needed 20-30 more runs for a fighting total. Our batters showed character, but England’s spinners were world-class today.” This scoreline marked Bangladesh’s second defeat, but their net run rate (+0.573) keeps them in fourth place, eyeing an upset against India on October 9.
England’s Chase: From Crisis to Triumph
The reply was anything but straightforward. Bangladesh’s pacers, spearheaded by Marufa Akter‘s fiery 2 for 29, rocked England early. Akter, the 19-year-old sensation, swung the new ball to dismiss openers Danni Wyatt-Hodge (8) and Maia Bouchier (5) inside the powerplay. Fahima Khatun then turned the screw with a miserly 3 for 16, her off-spin accounting for Nat Sciver-Brunt (12) and Sophia Dunkley (9), leaving England reeling at 78 for 5 in the 25th over.
Enter Heather Knight, the composed England skipper, who faced three dropped catches—on 0, 8, and 13—before settling in. Her 79 not out from 112 balls (6 fours) was a masterclass in patience, blending defensive solidity with timely aggression. Knight’s fifty arrived in the 37th over, and her unbroken 79-run stand with Charlie Dean (27 not out off 52) turned the tide.
The winning runs came in the 47th over, with Knight flicking Nahida Akter through mid-wicket for four. Knight, named Player of the Match, said post-match: “Bangladesh bowled brilliantly—Marufa’s swing was unplayable early on. I was rusty from limited practice, but Charlie and I focused on rotating strike. It’s a massive team effort; we’re building momentum for the Australia clash.”
This victory extends England’s dominance in head-to-head ODIs against Bangladesh (now 2-0), but it underscores the tournament’s unpredictability. Sciver-Brunt added: “Heather’s innings was pure class. Early wickets tested us, but our depth shone through. Credit to Bangladesh—they nearly pulled off a stunner.”
Key Stats and Highlights from England vs Bangladesh Women’s World Cup 2025
- Heather Knight: 79* (112 balls) – Her highest score in the tournament so far.
- Sophie Ecclestone: 3/24 – Extended her streak of taking wickets in every World Cup game.
- Marufa Akter: 2/29 – Youngest bowler to trouble England in a major tournament.
- Partnership of the Match: Knight-Dean 79* (18.3 overs) – Rescued England from 103/6.
- Economy Rates: England’s spinners under 3.5 rpo, stifling Bangladesh’s scoring.
The match, attended by over 15,000 fans in Guwahati, was a testament to women’s cricket’s rising popularity in India. Live broadcasts on Star Sports and streaming on Disney+ Hotstar drew record viewership, with social media buzzing about Knight’s resilience.
Looking Ahead: Implications for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
This result catapults England to the summit with four points and a net run rate of +1.757, level with India but ahead on wins. Bangladesh, with one win from three, must regroup quickly. Their next fixture against hosts India in Visakhapatnam on October 9 could be a redemption arc, especially after India’s recent 88-run thrashing of Pakistan.
England’s upcoming blockbuster against defending champions Australia on October 12 in Navi Mumbai will test their mettle. With stars like Ecclestone and Knight firing, the Lionesses are primed for a deep run. Meanwhile, the tournament’s format—eight teams, 28 league games—ensures high-stakes drama until the November 2 final at DY Patil Stadium.
For fans tracking the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 schedule, key battles like South Africa vs Australia on October 18 promise fireworks. Bangladesh’s fightback signals Asia’s emerging force, challenging the traditional powerhouses.
As women’s cricket evolves, matches like this England vs Bangladesh thriller captivate global audiences, blending skill, strategy, and sheer grit. Stay tuned to pentoday Sports for live scores, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews from the Women’s World Cup 2025.
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